10 published lessons with this tag.
A note that captures exactly one idea can be understood without its original context, linked to any argument, and recombined indefinitely — a note that captures two ideas can do none of these things reliably.
Every distinct idea needs a unique, stable address — without one, you cannot reference it, link to it, or build on it reliably.
The smallest useful unit is the level of decomposition where each piece carries independent meaning — small enough to be precise, large enough to be self-contained.
Small self-contained pieces can be assembled into new structures that monoliths cannot. Atomicity is what makes recombination possible — and recombination is how almost all innovation actually works.
A claim and its supporting evidence are different objects that should be stored separately.
An atomic note should carry enough context to be understood without its original source.
A well-formed question is as valuable an atom as a well-formed answer.
Each atom exists in relationship to others — atomicity is about self-containment not loneliness.
Restructuring your notes restructures your understanding.
The goal is not perfect decomposition but steadily improving your ability to decompose.